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• Features On Amazing Local Non-Profits And Volunteers • Directory Of Organizations Doing Good Work In Our Community 11/28/23 2:47 PM

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ty n u o C y r n e h c M r o f n tio the Community Founda

Providing connections to the community By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

he Community Foundation for McHenry County is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the county by fostering collaborations among donors, investors, philanthropic initiatives and agencies striving to address community needs. Executive Director Amy Hernon said, “Our role is to be that connector and partner in the community.” In 2023 The Foundation allocated a total of $148,500 in Transformational Grants to three nonprofit organizations, supporting groundbreaking programs and innovative services that drive positive change. Every two years the Foundation awards Mission Grants. In 2022 the Foundation supported 39 nonprofit agencies with a distribution of more than $600,000 in grants, allocated for a two-year span. These grants enable community organizations to grow. The grant for Girls On the Run will enable the organization to build an adaptive program so more girls can participate and benefit. Simplifying the donation process is a priority for the Foundation, whether through a one-time contribution or the establishment of an endowed fund. The Foundation assumes the administrative responsibility of investing the funds, allowing individuals or families to direct their donations. “We serve as the stewards and administrators to help invest the money,” Hernon said. Many families have established funds to honor loved ones, while smaller nonprofit agencies utilize the Foundation’s fund program to invest and save for the future.

agencies supporting those in the community,” Hernon said. Even smaller donations can have a big impact. The Foundation has varying programs that mean every donation can make a difference to a local organization as it works to fulfill its mission and serve the community. Hernon may be a new face to the Foundation, having joined this past year, but she brings a wealth of experience from her extensive nonprofit career, including roles as fundraising coordinator for nonprofit agencies in McHenry County and northern Illinois. Her understanding of the pivotal role that fundraising and financial support play, especially for organizations in infancy stages, is a valuable asset. Recognizing the challenges faced by new nonprofits, the Foundation established the Philanthropic Center in 2020, offering incubator space to assist emerging nonprofits in their early stages. “McHenry is unique in that it is geographically spread a part, but we are still all closely connected,” Hernon said.

CONTACT INFORMATION The Community Foundation For Mchenry County 33 E Woodstock St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (815) 338-4483 https://thecfmc.org/

“It’s all about the future of this county and how we can come together to sustain the

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The FAMILY HEALTH Partnership CLINIC

Rhonda, APN & Carie, BSN

e s o h t r o f s e ic v r e s Health e c n a r u s in t u o h it w F

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

or the last 27 years the staff and volunteers with Family Health Partnership Clinic has provided care for McHenry County residents without health insurance. The clinic provides health care for patients ages 18 and older, from well-being checks to seeing patients with medical needs. Seeking medical care without insurance can be a large financial burden, which often leads many without insurance to skip regular health checks, to avoid medical visits even when facing health concerns. While there’s Medicaid for those living below the poverty level and Medicare for adults age 65 and older, there are far too many adults with employment who are unable to access health insurance. “Close to 90 percent of our patients are employed but can not afford or do not qualify for health insurance,” explained Executive Director Suzanne Hoban, who has been at the helm of the clinic since its inception. It was Hoban, along with other community members who saw the growing need for health services to assist those in the county without health insurance,

Medicaid or Medicare. The initial years were a struggle and there were some failures, but Hoban and her team didn’t give up and through grants they had the financial support to continue to pursue the clinic, which is comprised of paid staff and volunteers. All the physicians, as well as specialists including doctors of orthopedics, endocrinology, volunteer their time to see patients at the clinic. Dentists volunteer their time at the clinic to see patients as well as a few volunteer nurses. Paid staff includes nurse practitioners as well as other nursing staff. “The support from the community and people have allowed us to continue to serve the community and to meet the community needs,” Hoban said. The Family Health Partnership Clinic is a free and charitable clinic, where patients are asked to pay for services on a sliding scale. Often patients without health insurance choose to forgo healthcare until a medical issue becomes so severe it requires emergency services or hospitalization. The aim of the clinic is to provide ongoing healthcare and health management to keep patients from severe health needs that can lead to medical debt.

“It is more cost efficient to provide primary care,” Hoban said. Throughout the pandemic the clinic remained open and serving the community, though it had to cut back to minimal staff, it continued to provide health care to the community. The clinic has integrated mental health care services for patients through support from the Mental Health Board of McHenry County. “Adding the mental health component has allowed us to focus on the needs and serve patients in the community. Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Hoban said. CONTACT INFORMATION The Family Health Partnership Clinic

Located in: Northwest Professional Center

401 Congress Pkwy, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 (779) 220-9300

https://hpclinic.org/

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A Caring Part of the Community 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, Illinois 60142 Phone: 847-515-8772 www.defiorefuneral.com SM-GIVING_BACK

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Kids In Need McHenry County

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

he name is Kids in Need, but at the heart of the mission is helping McHenry County families, which exist in so many forms. There are foster families who need clothing and basic necessities to welcome a new child into their home. Sometimes it’s a grandparent stepping in to care for a grandchild or it is a family in crisis who need assistance. While the year-end numbers are not in, the organization has answered the need to more than 2,500 requests in 2023, said Executive Director Michelle Prickett. Families are vetted and connected to Kids In Need through social workers, school personnel, staff from the Department of Children and Family Services, CASA and other local organizations in the community such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. “If anyone comes to us, they really, really need help,” Prickett said. “This is hopefully a lifeline to help a family feel secure.”

whether those are biological, adoptive or foster families,” Prickett said. The Visitation and Resource Home in Crystal Lake provides a safe, comfortable location for families to have supervised visits, or for a transition between parents and guardians. “When a trauma has already occurred, it can be difficult for parents to try and have a supervised visit in an unnatural location. Here people can sit at a table, play a game with a child, read a book together,” Prickett said. “This is a private place. It is a home and the hope is that children and parents can feel normal in an unnormal situation.” The Kinship Program is another example of helping families in transition where a child’s relative, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles or older siblings fulfill a role as a child’s guardian. A caregiver advocate from Kids In Need helps the new guardians with resources, answering questions and providing connections to other families in the community.

Kids In Need hosts a monthly playdate at Fire House The organization partners with other agencies to further Gym in Johnsburg for families where children and help families like providing supplies from the Keeping adults can meet, enjoy time together and often Families Covered Diaper Bank to finding solutions to share advice, resources and stories, Prickett said. The a transportation need or food resources. Kids In Need playdates have received such a positive feedback from helps all families. It often aids families adopting and families, Prickett is searching for another location to fostering children as well as helping the connected host a second playdate each month. biological families, Prickett explained. The Second Bridge resource program includes a distribution center in downtown Crystal Lake where “We want to stack the blocks in favor of parents,

families can “shop” free of charge for items they need, including clothing and supplies. An incredible team of volunteers help to sort donations, greet and assist families in finding what they need, Prickett said. “Our community has really taken ownership of the distribution center,” Prickett said, explaining how it provides new or almost new clothing, shoes, boots in infant through adult sizes. The outpouring of support and the ever-increasing need of items to assist families means Prickett and her team are searching for a larger space to accommodate the distribution center. “The feedback from families who visit the distribution center is that they were treated with dignity, respect

CONTACT INFORMATION Kids in Need McHenry County P.O. Box 183 | McHenry, IL 60051 (815) 310-5437 contact@kinmc.org https://kinmc.org/

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Minis

Proudly partnering with McHenry County Non-Profits to Make a Difference Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County 815-385-3855 630 N. IL Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 bbbsmchenry.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County matches an adult, Big, with a child, Little, in the community for mentoring. It offers different programs including Community Based Mentoring, afterschool programs and even Lunch Time Mentors that meet with their Little one day a week at the child’s elementary school. The Big provides encouragement and mentorship to the Little, helping the child to strive for goals and achieve their full potential. Both the adult and child benefit from the positive connection

The BREAK Crystal Lake Teen Center 779-220-4080 6292 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 clbreak.com Since its founding, the BREAK has provided a safe space for teens and young adults to gather, to build friendships and explore interests with programs in art, technology and beyond. It has helped young adults build positive connections. Whether it’s a place to drop in and do homework or to attend a program and learn the BREAK continues to serve the young people in the community.

CASA of McHenry County (Court Appointed Special Advocates) 382 W. Virginia St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 casamchenrycounty.org When a child enters the court system as a victim of abuse or neglect a Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA, is a trained volunteer who advocates for the best interest of a child in the courtroom and communicates the child’s needs to the judge. The CASA volunteer often becomes

the constant adult in a child’s life during their time in foster care. Studies have shown children connected to a CASA volunteer spend less time in foster care and are less likely to re-enter foster care in the future.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois 800-815-2227 13707 W. Jackson St., Suite B, Woodstock, IL 60098 illinoiscccs.org Understanding financial hardship can cause stress and struggles, the Consumer Credit Counseling Service focuses on financial counseling tackling issues such as debt management, housing issues and student loans. The services are confidential and no one is denied services due to an inability to pay.

Crystal Lake Food Pantry 815-455-0961 42 East St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 clfoodpantry.org In the spring of 1982 members of eight local churches came together to answer a need in the community and establish a food pantry. Today there are more than 20 sponsoring churches as well as several food partners and community gardens that continue to support the mission. Through local community food drives and the generous support of individuals, business and organizations the Crystal Lake Food Pantry provides an important need for residents.

Crystal Lake Strikers 54 Lou St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 clstrikers.com

is at the heart of the mission for the Crystal Lake Strikers. Formed in 2008, the Strikers offers several ensembles for musicians from elementary school and beyond. It was recognized for its development of the Kingpins Drumline, a cooperative effort between the Strikers and the Northern Illinois Recreation Association. Through its history has performed for concerts and parades, even marching in Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. ‘

Crystal Lake Lions Club crystallakelions.org Established in 1931, the Crystal Lake Lions Club is a service organization to local and international communities. The Lions Club members host projects and events to benefit the community and members partner with other organizations to volunteer support. The Crystal Lake Lions Club members represent members of the business community as well as residents.

Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street 815-479-0835 Raue House, 25 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 downtowncl.org A leader in the Illinois Main Street Network, the Downtown Crystal Lake/MainStreet was created as a notfor-profit to revitalize and promote a vibrant and inclusive community. The mission is to preserve the charm and character of the historic downtown while promoting economic growth, environmental sustainability and diversity.

Providing an outlet for drummers beyond their school days while supporting future generations of musicians We’re proud of our financial contributions and of the 1,700 volunteer hours we give to more than 35 community groups within McHenry County, including: • Lakeside Legacy Foundation • Raue Center for the Arts • Turning Point • Hospice of Northern IL • American Cancer Society

• Salvation Army • Home of the Sparrow • March of Dimes • United Way • McHenry County College • Big Brothers/Big Sisters

• NISRA • • Pioneer Center •

Contributing to our Communities We’re proud of our financial contributions and of the countless volunteer hours we give to numerous community groups within McHenry County.

• The Dole

You could say it’s a community thing: a community bank that serves its community in many different ways. Or you could say it’s who we are.

• Salvation Army

Crystal Lake

• Raue Center • Turning Point • Friends of MCC • Home of the Sparrow • Girls on the Run

815-459-2000 | Lake In The Hills

• You United Way could say it’s a community a communitySisters bank that • thing: Big Brothers/Big serves its community in many • Helping Paws different ways. Or you could say • it’s CASA who we are. • Steven Friendship House L. Slack and CEO of • President Local Chambers Commerce and more!

homestateonline.com

Crystal Lake 815-459-2000 | Crystal Lake (Rt 14) 815-477-1386

Member FDIC

815-344-2131 | Woodstock 815-338-2000 Sponsored by: northern illinois food bank

847-854-1386 | McHenry (North)

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Minis Encore Music Academy 815-356-7464 87 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 encoremusicacademy.org

Home of the Sparrow 815-271-5444 1991 Duncan Plance, Woodstock, IL 60098 hosparrow.org

Encore Music Academy provides opportunities for people of all ages and ability to make music whether through choir, orchestra, ensembles or music therapy. It offers lessons, classes and camps for all ages starting with programs for early childhood through adult music classes. Through need-based financial assistance it welcomes all with an interest to participate and share a passion for music. Hosts Voices in Harmony Summer Festival Chorus.

Home of the Sparrow’s mission is assisting women and children facing homelessness. It operates a transitional shelter, affordable housing units throughout Northern Illinois, a few subsidized apartments. It also provides services through programs including the Rapid Re-Housing Programing for those experiencing homelessness as they seek permanent housing and an outreach and prevention program with case managers. In addition to financial support from the community it operates seven Thrift Stores and Donation Centers to provide a source of revenue for programs and services. With support from more than 700n volunteers each year the agency continues its mission that began in 1987.

Friendship House Early Childhood Center 815-459-6552 100 S. Main St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 friendshiphousecl.com For more than 50 years the Friendship House has served as a not-for-profit child care center serving McHenry County. Based on the philosophy that children learn through play it provides a safe, nurturing environment for children from the ages of 6 weeks through 12 years. Professionals trained in early childhood practices provide care for the children and promote an environment of acceptance and achievement in each child.

Gigi’s Playhouse 815-385-7538 5404 W. Elm St. Suite A McHenry, IL 60050 gigisplayhouse.org/mchenry Gigi’s Playhouse provides free educational, therapeuticbased and career programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. There are more than 55 locations throughout the country of this national non-profit, which has provided connections to families well-beyond their time in the playhouse.

Girls on the Run Northwest Illinois 815-893-0259 111 Erick St., Suite 115, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 gotrnwil.org Girls on the Run integrates running with a curriculum that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. It provides interactive lessons designed to enhance its participants’ social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. As a national program, Girls on the Run has served more than 2 million participants across the country. It’s programs are designed for participants in 3rd through 8th grades and each session concludes with a celebratory 5k event.

Helping Paws Animal Shelter 815-33-4400 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098 helpingpaws.net For more than 50 years the volunteers at Helping Paws Animal Shelters have been helping connect people and pets, creating beautiful connections. The no-kill animal shelter cares for more than 800 animals each year. The small staff and dedicated volunteers at Helping Paws treat each animal that arrives at the shelter with respect, kindness and compassion. The human helpers are focused on second chances, to help each animal find its forever home. Established in 1969, the agency’s legal name is Fox Valley Helping Paws Animal Welfare Association.

Lakeside Legacy Foundation 815-455-8000 401 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 thedole.org The Lakeside Legacy Foundation was established to preserve and protect The Dole Mansion, a historic property. The Dole Mansion is a Victorian-Era Romantic Italianate manor built in 1865 for Charles Sidney Dole, an influential grain baron and ice harvester, who also purchased 1,000 acres of land, which was called Lakeland Farms. Today the Dole is a home to community events including local festivals, a music concerts and a summer Farmer’s Market

Leadership Greater McHenry County 815-337-8750 Located in American Community Bank, 1290 Lake Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098 leadershipgmc.org Established in 2005, Leadership Greater McHenry County was designed to foster and develop community leaders. Each year it brings together participants from throughout the community for a 10-month program developing their skills and abilities as a leader while providing a deep education on the agencies and programs within the county. It has become a leadership resource for the entire county.

Kiwanis Crystal Lake Crystal Lake Kiwanis Foundation P.O. Box 1082 Crystal Lake, IL 60039 kiwaniscrystallake.com The service club focuses on several fundraising projects throughout the year to support other community organizations. Club members meet every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at noon, visit the Facebook page or email for location updates.

NAMI McHenry County 815-526-8243 620 Dakota St., Crystal Lake, IL 60012 namimch.org The National Alliance on Mental Illness McHenry partners with community-based systems of care to provide nonclinical mental health referral and linkage support. It offers support services, educational programs including workshops and training as well as advocacy for those with

mental illness and their families. It offers these services at no cost.

Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers cldawnbreakers.org and Facebook With a focus on service the Rotary Club of Crystal Lake Dawnbreakers are known for their early morning meetings and their commitment to making the community a better place. Working on service projects and fundraising is enhanced by the friendships that form. Members meet Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. at Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail, Crystal Lake except on the first week of the month when the group hosts a service meeting at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry on the first Thursday of the month.

Senior Care Volunteer Network 815-455-3120 42 East St., Suite C, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 scvnmchenrycounty.org Senior residents throughout McHenry County can utilize the Senior Care Volunteer Network’s volunteers to gain access to community resources to maintain their dignity and quality of life. And at no cost. The mission is to help aging adults remain independent and active in their own residences. The Senior Care Volunteer Network services includes lending medical equipment, assistance with transportation, grocery shopping and errands and even minor home repair.

Senior Services Associates 815-344-3555 3519 N. Richmond Road, McHenry, IL 60051 seniorservicesassoc.org Dedicated in the care and support of the aging population and individuals with disabilities Senior Services Associates can assist whether it’s helping to keep loved ones in their homes as they age to finding services like transportation. It’s staff and network of volunteers provide support, answer questions, provide friendly visits and much more throughout the county.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County 815-337-9502 4622 Dean St., Woodstock, IL 60098 conservemc.org The mission of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land for the benefit of the whole community in partnership with residents. Since 1991 the conservancy has helped protect more than 3,000 acres of prairies, wetlands and woodlands in McHenry County.

Turning Point Domestic Violence Services 815-338-8081 11019 US Route 14, Woodstock, IL 60098 turnpt.org What began as a small group of women seeking to help a friend in a physically abusive relationship has evolved into an organization that provides a comprehensive array of services for families and individuals facing domestic violence. Turning Point provides individual and group counseling, intervention programs, legal advocacy and services for children. It also maintains a secure, emergency shelter.

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E P O H O T H T A P S N A R VETE By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

eeing a need to help veterans experiencing homelessness inspired the creation of Transitional Living Service in the year 1996.

And 28 years later, the need remains. “Just a few weeks ago we assisted two veterans, in their 20s, who had been living in their cars,” explains Laura Franz, executive director of Veterans Path to Hope, the re-branded name of the organization. Through careful consideration and a review process, the organization decided to alter its name, to better describe its purpose in bringing back hope to the veterans and their families experiencing the need for shelter, food, mental health services and the ability to connect with others in the community. “As we offer solutions to a crisis, like homelessness or food insecurity, we see the light return to their face. They once again have hope,” Franz said. “It is so inspiring to see people feel a sense of purpose and think things are going to be ok.” With a home-base in Crystal Lake, the agency serves a wide geographic area of Northern Illinois, seeing clients from Rockford, Lake County and even up through Kenosha, Wisconsin. Through partnerships with other veteran and nonprofit

organizations the staff works hard to find solutions to assist clients. And it provides services, including mental health services, for free. “People end up homeless for so many diverse reasons,” Franz said. “It could be medical bills, a falling out with family, loss of a job. It is so much more prevalent that people realize and it’s being aggravated by the current housing crisis.” At Veterans Path to Hope case managers can assist a veteran and their family with needs such as rental assistance, employment assistance and there’s a food pantry onsite. The organization has transitional housing. When a veteran moves from the transitional housing to a place of their own, there’s a team of veterans that assist with the move, providing furniture and household items that have been donated from the community through the Veterans Community Action Team. Many of the staff members at Veterans Path to Hope are also veterans who share having experienced the same issues they are helping clients with today, Franz said. The peer-to-peer support means no-one should ever feel a shame or fear seeking assistance. And it’s not only about assisting veterans, as the services extend to their families as well. The agency offers its free, confidential counseling services to first responders as well. While service is the focus, the need for

camaraderie is fulfilled through activities such as the Outdoor Programming, which includes fishing derbies, ice fishing trips as well as hikes and kayaking. The Outdoors Program is run by Program Manager Ryan Jacobson, a retired member of the Navy who served 1992-2012 who has a degree in therapeutic recreation from Aurora University. “It’s an opportunity to be with other veterans and uplifts everyone involved,” Franz said. This past year they’ve even launched a new video game program, which Franz said has been a huge hit with veterans, including those who bring their kids to play as well. There’s talk of a future video game tournament. “It’s a blast. It’s really a great time to bond,” Franz said. “It’s about veterans having time to connect with other veterans.”

CONTACT INFORMATION Veterans Path to Hope

805 S. McHenry Ave., Ste. D Crystal Lake, IL 60014

https://veteranspathtohope.org

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Y T N U O C Y R N E H C M R E T A E R G F O Y A W UNITED

that their donations are helping to make it so.”

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

roviding a hand up. It’s the image on the logo for United Way that conveys how the organization works to raise up their local community.

And in 2024 that mission grows a bit bigger as The United Way of Greater McHenry County takes on an additional responsibility to become the volunteer coordinator within McHenry County, serving as a matchmaker between individuals and businesses seeking ways to give back and the organizations who need helpers. As the executive director for the United Way of Greater McHenry County, Jamie Maravich sees it as one more way to help connect people and provide service where it is needed most. The United Way of Greater McHenry County has partnered with 31 local non-profit agencies that have been vetted to ensure they meet the necessary criteria. Each year it distributes grants to support these local organizations working to help the residents of the county, using a community-based panel to help steer the funds to make the greatest impact. Over 1 in 4 McHenry County residents access the programs that receive funds from The United Way of Greater McHenry County. They include critical services for food security, safe havens from abuse, access to

healthcare, mental healthcare, services to combat homelessness, services for older adults in need of special support, services for affordable childcare, mentoring, early childhood education, and social skills development, services to help establish or reestablish financial security, and more. “We are able to combine every contribution with others to multiply their impact. We can make funds go farther and direct them to vital programs that improve lives and address the most pressing needs of our community.” Maravich said. One of the unique ways that The United Way fundraises is through employee giving campaigns. Businesses will provide their employees the opportunity to donate via payroll deductions and very often further support their employee’s generosity with corporate pledge matches, sponsorships, and donations. “We are stronger united together.” Maravich said. “Imagine the tremendous amount of good that could happen if everyone gave even $1 per paycheck. It all adds up to make a big difference.” Often, the United Way of Greater McHenry County will bring a partner agency to share their story during company presentations and it will become clear that many of the employee’s didn’t know that program or organization existed. Sometimes people don’t know the support is out there,” Maravich said. “And they are happy to know that it is and

Access and awareness of services is the reason the United Way funds the 2-1-1 helpline. The call center is open 24hours a day/7 days a week and residents can use it as a free and confidential search tool to find more information about a service or to answer a need. In 2022, The United Way of Greater McHenry County secured a grant to bring Ride United Last Mile Delivery to McHenry County. It is a program that enables participants to obtain free deliveries from local food pantries. “Some residents may not have a car, or they may be working and can’t afford to leave work to go to the food pantry during its limited hours,” Maravich explained. Previously, a local program provided weekend backpacks of food that went home with school children and Ride United has enabled the burden of food insecurity to be lifted off the shoulders of children and instead have food supplies delivered directly to the family’s residents. On average, the program provides 1,000 deliveries throughout the county every month, Maravich said. CONTACT INFORMATION United Way of Greater McHenry County 4508 Prime Parkway McHenry, IL 60050 (815) 363-1377

https://uwmchenry.org/

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icholas. arance of St. N rbing Disappe tu is D e Th r fo sals Arts During rehear School For The w, Raue Center rlo ha Sc b Ro Credit to

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By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

rom theater appreciation to encouraging those first steps across the stage, the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake is a main street theater for the greater community. “It’s really is a gem in our downtown,” said Executive Director Richard Kuranda. In a given year the theater hosts an average between 275 and 325 events, Kuranda said. From live music to comedy, plays and dance too. And for 2024 there’s an excitement brewing with the return of the William Street Repertory and the Raue Center School for the Arts. These programs were suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic. ‘We’re so excited to be back up and running,” Kuranda said. At the helm of the Raue Center School for the Arts is the new Director of Education Rob Scharlow, who brings his experience of acting, directing, teaching, including two decades of working at the acclaimed

performing arts training center, Stagedoor Manor in New York. The Raue Center School for the Arts offers classes to all ages, from instruction on acting through movement for children as young as 7, courses in playwriting for teens and classes for adults including a course in stand-up comedy which concludes with a stage performance. “We want everyone to pursue their passion and take a risk,” Kuranda said. “even if they decide it’s not for them, taking a risk and pursuing their passion is worth it.” The Raue Center School for the Arts also provides an opportunity for young people to take part in a production and on the calendar for 2024 include the shows Mean Girls Jr., Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Moana. From the four stage shows to the school field trips to the theater, and youth partner programs like Strikers and The Nutcracker, Raue Center School for the Arts and all educational programs will allow more than 1,800 will have the opportunity to participate in programs at the Raue in 2024. The William Street Repertory is the in-house professional theater company for the Raue Center and there’s excitement for its 2024 season with shows

including Native Gardens, Shakespeare’s Othello and the musical production of Bandstand, a show about soldiers returning home from World War II and in their challenge to resume life after the war they form a band. At the Raue gratitude is offered to military veterans with an allotment of free tickets for most performances, allowing veterans free admission to shows following a simple pre-registration with the theater, Kuranda said. It’s one of the ways the theater gives back to a community that has shown it tremendous support, he added. “From our performing arts center to our classes that we keep at prices that are affordable, we have something to serve all generations,” Kuranda said. “We have so much to offer all right in our backyard.”

CONTACT INFORMATION Raue Center for the Arts 26 N. Williams St.

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

(815) 356-9212 | rauecenter.org